Alcatel Telecom of Richardson, Texas, will install approximately $100 million in synchronous optical network (SONET) equipment for MFS Communications Co. Inc. of Omaha, Neb. Alcatel has begun shipments of its 1603/12 and 1648 SM SONET multiplexers for MFS's ring networks in Canada and the US. Alcatel says the 1603/12 is unique because it adapts to many network functions, including simultaneous grooming of VT, STS and ATM circuits at both OC-3 and OC-12 rates from a single shelf.